Vol. XXI, No. 203 { Business World Online ]
Friday, May 16, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has sued the mayor of Boracay for allowing the reclamation of mangrove areas in the island.
In a press conference yesterday, Environment Secretary Jose L. Atienza announced that the department has taken legal action against Malay, Aklan Mayor Ceciron Cawaling for "abusing his authority."
Mr. Atienza criticized the mayor for failing to implement a town ordinance ordering a moratorium on new construction in the resort paradise, citing the mushrooming of new hotel projects.
"He has been giving out permits for structures to be built in these areas even when a moratorium has already been imposed," Mr. Atienza said.
The halting of the reclamation of Boracay’s wetland areas is critical to preventing further destruction of its natural environment, the DENR chief previously said.
The DENR, through Undersecretary Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering, filed the complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman.
Mr. Atienza warned that if there were DENR officials involved in the wrongdoings, they would also suffer the consequences.
"We’d like to see some people in jail first before we talk about the damages that have been done," he added.
The DENR has crafted an environmental master plan for Boracay, covering forest lands, protected areas, the coastal zone, the island’s beach front, and others.
Authorities hope the plan will encourage owners of resorts and hotels as well as town officials to observe zoning laws.
_____________________________________________________________________
